The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant application window remains paused as of early 2026. USDA suspended grant applications in mid-2025 due to a combination of factors: an overwhelming backlog of applications exceeding available funding, policy changes under the current administration, and a directive to reorient the program toward expanded American energy production and away from Biden-era climate requirements.
In June 2025, USDA announced it would not accept REAP grant applications through September 30, 2025, citing an application backlog. Separately, the Trump administration froze previously obligated REAP funds pending review and required recipients to revise project plans to align with the Unleashing American Energy Executive Order. In March 2025, USDA began releasing previously obligated funds — but only for projects that met new program requirements.
The combined effect is that new REAP grant applications are effectively on hold while USDA works through the backlog and finalizes new FY2026 program parameters. REAP loan guarantee applications continue to be accepted year-round throughout this period.
The current administration has signaled reduced support for ground-mounted solar on productive farmland. Future REAP application scoring is expected to weight this type of project less favorably. Rooftop solar, wind, anaerobic digesters, biomass, and energy efficiency projects are generally expected to be viewed more favorably when the grant window reopens.
Don't wait for grants to plan your project. Get technical feasibility work done, work with a REAP-approved lender on the loan guarantee component, and be ready to apply for grants when the window reopens. Projects that are fully prepared when the window opens have a significant advantage.
REAP loan guarantees — the non-grant component of the program — are being accepted year-round. The USDA guarantees up to 75% of REAP loans, significantly reducing lender risk on rural energy projects. Rural businesses and agricultural producers with energy efficiency or renewable energy projects should pursue the loan guarantee component now, independent of the grant pause.
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